Nissan Leaf

What's this?The overall score for a tested model is based on CR's results from more than 50 tests and evaluations. You can easily see how its overall score compares with the "Highest" and "Lowest" rated vehicles in its category. The overall score was revised in spring 2014 to better reflect the state of the art for today's cars and how drivers use them.

The electric Leaf has a 75-mile typical range. A full charge took us 6-hours using a 240-volt outlet, but charge times have been shortened since our tests. We measured the equivalent of 106-mpg, and running costs are 3.5-cents per mile at the national average of 11-cents per kWh. The ride is comfortable, but handling isn't particularly agile. The rear seat is roomy, but the cargo area is rather small. Standard features include a heated steering wheel and seats, and top models get electric heating that uses 30-percent less energy. Reliability has been above average, but we can't recommend the Leaf because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.